Helen Joanna Bagdzinski (Stankiewicz)

Secretary, Polish community leader

Born May 18, 1907, Philadelphia (PA) [died 2002], U.S.; daughter of Jacob and Joanna (Dabrowska); married (deceased) Aleksander Bagdzinski.

Education: Palmer Business College, Philadelphia, 1928; Insurance, University of Pennsylvania, 1955-56; St. Joseph College, Philadelphia.

Career: secretary, Wilson Company, 1923-26, General Electric Company, 1926-53, Union of Polish Women in America, 1953-81, Philadelphia; retired.

Member of: volunteer. American Red Cross, WW II; interpreter to Polish immigrants. International Institute, Philadelphia, 1946-48; finance secretary, Polish American Congress (P.A.C.) East Pennsylvania district, 1953-93; director, Nationalities Services Center of Philadelphia, since 1975; secretary, Philadelphia Polish Bicentennial Committee, and director, American Council of Polish Cultural Clubs (A.C.P.C.C.), 1975-76; director, Women for Greater Philadelphia, 1976-92; past director, past vice president, Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia; active member of Society of the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Volunteer Workers, Doylestown (PA); volunteer guide, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Philadelphia; General Federation of Women's Club, Sharon Hill (PA).

Honors: Lord and Lady of the Manor award, American Council of Polish Cultural Clubs (A.C.P.C.C.), 1976.

Served with: Republican. Roman Catholic.

Languages: English, Polish.

Hobbies: bowling, table-tennis, singing in church choir.

Home: 333 Oak Ave, Sharon Hill PA 19079

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation,
New York, NY, 1996

[Bagdzinska Picture]

Helen B. Bagdzinski ( - 2002)
Polonia activist

Society 2044/Group 80, Condolences

Sympathy is many hearts sharing one sorrow and thus, with heavy hearts, the officers and members of Group 80 are remembering someone too special to ever be forgotten. Helen Bagdzinska was called to her eternal rest on May 6th 2002. She is survived by her sisters, Blanche and Irene Stankiewicz as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Bagdzinska, fondly known as "Mrs. B" was the President of Group 80 since 1985 and also served in the capacity of Financial Secretary and Recording Secretary. She was the Secretary General of the Union of Polish Women in America from 1957 to 1981 at which time she was named Honorary Secretary General.

Mrs. Bagdzinski was a member of the UPWA Glee Club. She served as a Grand Marshall in the Annual Pulaski Day Parade in Philadelphia, she was a former Recording Secretary of Polish America Congress, Eastern PA District and was a former President of the New Jersey Fraternals. If you knew Mrs. B, I am sure you were aware of her devotion and allegiance to the Union of Polish Women in America, to Group 80 and to Polonia.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church on May 1Oth. In this time of sorrow, the members of the Union of Polish Women in America Division all hope the entire Stankiewicz Family finds courage in knowing that the love of those around them is strong enough to sustain everyone. May the departed soul of Helen Bagdzinski rest in eternal peace

Source: Narod Polski, June 10, 2002


Helen B. Bagdzinski ( - 2002)
Polonia activist

Helen B. Bagdzinski (nee Stankiewicz), died May 6, 2002.

Wife of the late Alexander, sister of Blanche, Irene and the late Alphonse and
Edward Stankiewicz, aunt of Robert and Edward; also survived by 6 grandnieces and nephews.

Relatives, friends, G.E. retirees, Union of Polish Women, Polish American Congress, Women of Greater Philadelphia and the Polish Heritage Society are invited to call Thursday 7 to 9 P.M. and Friday 8:30 A.M. at Kish Funeral Home, 6506 Elmwood Ave., Philadelphia. Funeral Mass St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, 59th and Elmwood Ave. Friday 10 A.M. lnterment Holy Cross Cemetery.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 8, 2002